CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- An ex-convict robbed a local food mart and fired a sawed-off shotgun towards the pregnant clerk -- but was tackled by bystanders after his gun fell apart and he dropped the money, according to the Central Falls police.

Amanda Milkovits Journal Staff Writer amandamilkovits

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- An ex-convict robbed a local food mart and fired a sawed-off shotgun towards the pregnant clerk -- but was tackled by bystanders after his gun fell apart and he dropped the money, according to the Central Falls police.

Jason C. Dias, 41, was being held down by several men when police arrived at the Kandel Food Mart on 390 Broad St. Sunday night.

Witnesses told police that Dias walked into the store around 8:45 p.m., pointed the gun at the clerk, and threatened to "kill everyone" if he didn't get any money. The clerk, who is eight-months pregnant, filled a plastic bag with cash from the register, which the robber took, according to the police.

Then, on his way out, Dias turned and fired a round in the woman's direction -- narrowly missing her, the police said.

Dias turned back to leave, and the gun fell apart, according to the police. And then he dropped the bag of money. The bystanders moved in and held him down for police.

Dias had been out on probation after serving time for molesting a 6-year-old girl.

He ordered held without bail Monday for violating his probation, along with new charges of first-degree robbery, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, firing in a compact area, and possession of a firearm after conviction.